Explore guide
Fit complete embroidery border repeats
A 24 cm run fits five 4 cm motifs with 1 cm gaps between them: 5 × 4 + 4 × 1 = 24 cm. There are four internal gaps, not five.
Related lessons and tools
A 24 cm run fits five 4 cm motifs with 1 cm gaps between them: 5 × 4 + 4 × 1 = 24 cm. There are four internal gaps, not five.
Work through the example
- Measure one finished repeat at the intended count and thread coverage. Identify whether the design requires touching motifs or a minimum gap.
- Enter a 24 cm run, 4 cm motif and 1 cm minimum gap. Compare gaps only between motifs with equal gaps at both ends; count complete motifs separately for each choice.
- Mark the first and last repeat positions before filling the middle. Check a paper or stitched test against the real edge.
Check before committing
This straight-run calculation does not turn a motif around corners. Reserve corner motifs and seam allowances separately before calculating each straight section.
Method and sources
These are original planning examples using the linked tools’ methods. Replace measured inputs with your own samples; a calculator cannot validate the construction. Keep the resulting measurements, choices and remaining checks with the project.
Border repeat planner
Fit complete motifs along a straight border and distribute the remaining space.
Before you use this tool
Measure only the straight run available to complete motifs. Choose whether gaps belong between motifs only or also at both ends.
The result gives whole motifs and the redistributed actual gap; reserve corners separately before entering the run length.
Method and limits
Formula and assumptions
The planner fits the largest whole number of motifs that preserves the minimum gap. Remaining length is shared either only between motifs or equally across both ends and every internal gap.
Worked example
Example: six 12 cm motifs fit across 100 cm with an actual gap of 5.6 cm.
Limits and rounding
Results are planning estimates from the values entered. Displayed decimals are rounded for craft use; whole materials and repeats round up where the method says so. Confirm gauge, material behavior, construction, and finished measurements before committing supplies.